Robbers shoot out tire in encounter with victim

ALTON – Police are looking for three men suspected of an armed robbery of a resident in the 2300 block of Maxey Street late Sunday.

Around 11:05 p.m. police received a 911 call from a person stating that they heard someone yell “give me your money” and then the sound of a shot being fired.

Police Chief Chris Sullivan said officers were dispatched to the scene and discovered a male victim at the residence. He said the man told police that he was sitting in his vehicle in the driveway when a black Dodge Durango pulled up and a man got out and approached him wearing dark clothing and a dark ski mask.

“He pointed what the man described as a semi-automatic gun at him through the window and demanded money,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the victim told officers that he happened to be carrying $1,000 on him and threw it out the window onto the ground for the alleged robber. He said the robber then fired one shot into a tire of the vehicle so the victim could not follow.

Sullivan said the victim reported to police that he did not know his assailants.

The two other suspects remained in the SUV during the robbery.

Police conducting a neighborhood canvass were told that several residents heard the gunshot. He said residents complained that they suspected drug activity to be taking place at the residence.

The neighbors told officers that they often see vehicles pull up and the occupants run inside, leaving their vehicle running, or someone at the residence run outside and lean in a window and the vehicle departs within a matter of minutes, Sullivan said.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Alton police tip line at (618) 465-5948.